President Joe Biden traveled to Wisconsin on Tuesday to showcase his economic policies, placing a spotlight on the state critical to his re-election prospects. The visit comes just a week before the Republican party’s first presidential debate in Milwaukee. Biden’s trip coincides with the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a major economic legislation that he signed into law. However, polls indicate that the general public has limited awareness of the law and its provisions.
Wisconsin is one of several crucial states where Biden aims to convince voters that his policies have had a positive impact on their lives. As such, he plans to make frequent visits to the state to bolster his case. During his visit, Biden toured Ingeteam, a clean energy manufacturer that produces onshore wind turbine generators in Milwaukee. The President utilized this opportunity to highlight provisions of the law, such as investments in domestic manufacturing, clean energy, and efforts to lower healthcare costs. Ingeteam plans to hire 100 workers using funds from the newly enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to manufacture EV charging stations domestically.
Simultaneously, multinational tech company Siemens announced its decision to manufacture solar inverters in Kenosha County, driven by tax incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Biden’s trip is aimed at recognizing the effects of the law that passed Congress with party-line votes. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the President and his team are eager to share their message about the law’s impact with the American people.
Critics of the legislation argue that certain provisions could potentially contribute to increased inflation. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, while expressing support for the law, voiced concerns about the Biden administration’s broader economic agenda, stating that it was becoming increasingly risky.
Vice President Kamala Harris and other top Cabinet officials are also partaking in a series of events across the country to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and its provisions. Moreover, Biden has scheduled an anniversary event at the White House to commemorate the signing of the law.
Biden’s visit to Wisconsin strategically precedes the first presidential primary debate for Republicans in Milwaukee on August 23. However, former President Donald Trump, the front-runner in polls, has yet to confirm whether he will participate or hold a separate event.
Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin noted that Biden’s trip could help him win support from independent voters, who constitute around 10% of the state’s electorate. Franklin highlighted the importance of appealing to these non-partisan voters, as Democrats are already in favor of Biden, while it is unlikely that Republicans will cross party lines.
In recent times, Democratic gains played a decisive role in a critical state Supreme Court race, tipping Wisconsin’s highest court towards liberal control for the first time in 15 years. Despite this, Republicans remain competitive in the state and have chosen Milwaukee as the location for their 2024 national nominating convention.
Throughout the week, Biden, along with various administration officials, will continue to promote the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, for instance, spoke in Las Vegas about the positive impact of the law on economic growth, opportunity, and resilience as part of the administration’s climate agenda.
President Biden’s visit to Wisconsin serves as a crucial opportunity for him to showcase his economic policies and highlight the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. As he seeks to secure support in key swing states like Wisconsin, Biden aims to convince voters that his policies are positively shaping their lives. Only time will tell how successful these efforts will be in his bid for re-election.
